It’s very difficult for me to create a Top Ten List. So many factors play a roll, least of which being my emotional attachment to the music and the memories I’ve made around these artists. You see, it’s difficult because I take it way too seriously!
Some of my favorites albums didn’t make the cut, but only by a hair and I regret this. I also could not include all my friends’ bands because of lack of room. Also, I cheated on number 9. Forgive me. So now, I’m proud to present, in no particular order…

TOP TEN ALBUMS OF ALL TIME by Giselle

1) JIMI HENDRIX, ARE YOU EXPERIENCED
If you didn’t listen to this album in college, I didn’t hang out with you. This is the ultimate rock album and Jimi is the most passionate, soulful electric guitarist of all time. The cover is also badass. Get down.

2) STEVIE WONDER, AT THE CLOSE OF THE CENTURY (Box Set)
This compilation is worth the money. Luckily for me, I had a friend with sticky fingers who worked at his record label and swiped a copy for me. Anyway, Stevie proves that every R&B artist who’s come after is just a watered down version of his greatness and genius.

3) GANG STARR, DAILY OPERATION
I love this album. Smooth and ghetto. The ultimate chemistry of DJ Premier’s scratch chorus mastery and Guru’s laid-back cadence. “Ex Girl to Next Girl” is the jam.

4) THE SMITHS, STRANGEWAYS HERE WE COME
Actually I could have picked any Smiths’ album—they are that good. Johnny Marr has been the only musician who could make Morrissey live up to the legend he is. Me and my brother have passed many long car rides singing along to these albums and Strangeways includes of my favorite songs of all time: “Paint A Vulgar Picture.”

5) RADIOHEAD, THE BENDS
I bought this album after the seeing the video for “Fake Plastic Trees” on 120 Minutes. It was summer 1995 and I’d just finished my freshman year at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I played it in tandem with Jeff Buckley’s GRACE. I played it a lot while driving around the suburbs in the heat. It’s best if you listen to it beginning to end, without interruption. Post note: In 1997 I went to study in Oxford, England (where Radiohead is from) and regularly (and shamelessly) frequented a few of Thom Yorke’s favorite spots in town, including a teeny-tiny sandwich shop on a cobblestone street, to try and get a glimpse of him and that sexy lazy eye of his! Anyway, it never happened as they were actually touring in America at the time. Still, Oxford is a lovely and happy place that you should check out if ever in the UK.

6) REMY ZERO, VILLA ELAINE
One of the most under-rated bands in recent history. Cop this album and you’ll know why. Cinjin Tate, the lead singer, is a powerful singer, writer and performer; the band is made up of incredible musicians who play from their guts. Somehow this album has remained a secret gem of a record that nonetheless, proves you have serious, esoteric musical taste. I kind of like this. Shhhhh…..

7) SHUGGIE OTIS, INSPIRATION INFORMATION
Chilled-out funk with a California vibe. I could listen to this album forever—it’s that sublime and smoove. “Strawberry Letters 23” is a classic cut.

8) NINA SIMONE, COMPACT JAZZ
I picked this album, because I played it like crazy when I first moved to New York. Ms. Simone’s voice and delivery is so original and edgy. She’s got more attitude than some of the other female blues icons which is why I love her the most. Her rendition of “Feeling Good” is transcendent. RIP.

9) NIRVANA/HOLE, SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT and LIVE THROUGH THIS
Everyone from my generation knows why SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT is a no brainer choice. Kurt Cobain took over the world, kicked big hair heavy metal to the curb and owned his shit—both pretty and ugly. It made kids get excited about music again. Nirvana was (and still is) fresh. On the other hand, Courtney Love was just hitting her punk-rock/riot grrrl stride right when her husband committed suicide. This dark cloud has always overshadowed her greatness as an artist. She may be a crazy b*tch, but she’s talented as hell and you’ve got to respect that. This album proves it without a doubt.

10) PUBLIC ENEMY, FEAR OF A BLACK PLANET
I started to really listen to rap in middle school. Public Enemy was one of the first groups I loved. Chuck D is a master of his domain and Flavor Flav the ultimate hype man. Songs like “911 is A Joke,” “Burn Hollywood Burn,” and “Can’t Do Nuttin’ For Ya Man” are catchy and grimy and in-your-face. Amazing moment in musical history that goes on and stands the test of time.